Jenny Chan- Strength, Dreams and Aspirations

Entrepreneurship is built on dreams, aspirations, and strength. Strength comes in many different forms: physical, mental, spiritual, and strength of character. We all have these in varying degrees, and this strength keeps us going when life is difficult and we want to achieve our dreams and aspirations. The past two years have been both a test and a testament to everyone’s strength. Jenny Chan is one such person.

If you have ever been to Mbar, one of Ningbo’s most popular nightspots, you would have met Jenny. She is usually behind the bar, serving and trying to help people. If you didn’t know, you would never guess she is the manager because of how personable she is and how she interacts with her staff. She comes across as a well-respected aunty who is always there to help in any way she can. I believe that is one of the main reasons people keep coming back to Mbar. She always makes sure to welcome everyone and remembers nearly every name, which is significant.

Jenny is from Manila in the Philippines and came to China in 2004. Her first city was Suzhou in Jiangsu. Initially, she came to China in search of greener pastures. She is the eldest of 9 children, and unfortunately, their parents died when they were young. This left Jenny in the difficult position of being both mother and father to her siblings. I cannot imagine the toll this load took, which was made heavier when she had a child. She handled this with grace and strength. She even sacrificed seven years with her child so she could provide. This also meant putting her dream of having a restaurant aside for some time.

She came to Ningbo in 2009 and worked as a waitress at the Londoner pub, which was in the Portman’s area. It closed around 2012 when she went to work for a talent recruitment agency. When the Londoner pub closed, she was faced with a decision. She had two offers: continue working at another bar or jump into the unchartered and untested waters of a talent recruitment agency with a Chinese friend. She weighed her options and went with the talent agency because she felt they could grow together even though both she and her friend were new to the industry. This proved to be a great decision because her friend is also the owner of Mbar now, where she ended up being the manager.

It wasn’t easy at first, but she dug into her strengths and helped recruit Filipino dancers and performers. She also started managing Mbar but found it took too much time from her work at the agency and so had to stop. It was only when the virus hit and the manager was stuck in the Philippines that she took over the reins again. The agency had slowed down slightly because of the virus, so she had more time on her hands. It was also when she started building Mbar into what it is now.

She still held her dream of owning a restaurant, and her love for food close in all of this. Jenny knew her opportunity was coming one day, and it finally did. She had one week to get it all together, but she persevered, and so Jenny’s place was born. The restaurant is located near Raffles City Mall in Jiangbei. They serve a variety of dishes, including some Filipino food. I was so happy because I hadn’t had good Filipino food since I was in the Philippines. I even had a chance to have some San Miguel.

Jenny is known to the ex-pat community not only because of what she does at Mbar but also because of how helpful she is. I remember a friend messaging her because she needed a red carpet for an event at the last minute. Jenny was not only able to get the red carpet, but the price she got it for outstripped every other possibility. She did this without a second thought. She admits she loves helping people. If the strength of character is a judge of a person’s stature, then Jenny is Titan.

She has become the unofficial aunty of the Filipino family in Ningbo. Many young Filipinos come to her for advice on everything from work-related issues to relationships, and they are all welcomed with a smile. Thinking about the first time I met her, I feel like this is the role she was always meant to play. Her advice to everyone is straightforward but reflects the person she is.

“If you are having hardships or there are very bad things happening right now, don’t give up, just keep fighting. Fight, Fight, Fight!”

Feature Article was written by me and originally appeared in Ningbo Focus magazine.